Where to Eat in Srinagar
Srinagar's eating is clustered in a few areas: Residency Road near Lal Chowk, the Boulevard along Dal Lake, and the Durga Nag area for vegetarian food. Here is how to use them.
2 places
Residency Road
1 place
Boulevard Road
1 place
Durga Nag
Not sure what to order? The Srinagar food guide starts from the dishes — what each one is, when to eat it, and which of these kitchens is known for it.
Residency Road: the old dining rooms
Residency Road, near Lal Chowk, has Srinagar's longest-running restaurants. Ahdoos opened in 1918 and is the name most Kashmiris give when asked where to try rogan josh and gushtaba. Mughal Darbar, on the same road, is known for its set Wazwan platter, a good way for two to four people to taste several dishes at once. Both are busiest at lunch. Combine a meal here with a walk around Lal Chowk and Polo View market.
Boulevard Road: eating by the lake
The Boulevard runs along the western shore of Dal Lake, lined with hotels, shikara ghats and restaurants. Shamyana has lake views and serves Kashmiri dishes alongside a broader menu, which helps if your group does not all want mutton. It is a natural stop after a sunset shikara ride or a visit to Nishat Bagh.
Durga Nag: vegetarian food
The lanes around Durga Nag, near Dalgate, have pure-vegetarian dhabas that serve pilgrims and visitors from across India. Krishna Vaishno Dhaba is the best known, with North Indian thalis and Kashmiri vegetarian dishes such as nadru. It is close to the road up to Shankaracharya Temple, so it fits a morning at the hill.
Tips for eating out
Mutton is the centre of Kashmiri cooking, so check which dishes are available before settling in; the most popular Wazwan items can run out by late evening. Portions are generous, and sharing is normal. Alcohol is not widely served in Srinagar's restaurants. Carry some cash for smaller places. For what to order, read the Srinagar food guide first.
Questions
Srinagar — FAQ
Where should I eat in Srinagar?
4 places are listed here, across 3 areas. Each entry says what that kitchen is known for rather than reprinting its menu, so pick by the dish you want and the area you'll be in.
Are there good vegetarian restaurants in Srinagar?
Yes — 1 of the places listed is pure vegetarian, and the food-type badge on every card tells you before you set out.
What should I order in Srinagar?
Start from the dishes rather than the restaurants — the Srinagar food guide covers what each dish is and when to eat it, then links to the places that do it well.
Which Srinagar restaurant is the oldest?
Ahdoos on Residency Road has been serving since 1918 and is still known for its Wazwan dishes.
Where can I eat with a view of Dal Lake?
Restaurants along Boulevard Road, such as Shamyana, look over the lake. Go around sunset for the best light.
Is alcohol served in Srinagar restaurants?
Rarely. Most restaurants do not serve it, and it is not part of the local dining culture.